Art Gallery consults stakeholders

31 March 2006

Art Gallery consults stakeholders

Christchurch Art Gallery stakeholders have shared a wealth of ideas during a series of meetings this month to get their feedback on creating a dynamic new programme of exhibitions and events to reinforce the Gallery’s new vision and deliver new audiences.

Throughout March, the Gallery has consulted such stakeholder groups as The Friends of the Christchurch Art Gallery, the arts community, volunteers, artists, the Cultural Precinct, Pacific Island Peoples, art dealers and other galleries.

Their feedback had been invaluable, said Stephen McArthur, General Manager, Community Services, Christchurch City Council.

“We have been pleased with the good response from our stakeholders. They have been honest with their feedback, which has been appreciated. The stakeholders have recognised they have been given a rare gift of helping shape and mould the future and have taken a real responsibility for this work.”

He said what had come through strongly was a real ownership of the Gallery and this was important to ensure a strong future for the gallery.

Among the stakeholder suggestions have been bringing to life the Sculpture Garden facing Montreal Street with art work, introducing a space for the exhibition of contemporary/emerging artists with a quick turnover of work, creating a more vibrant environment within the courtyard and foyer and getting the Gallery involved to a greater extent with local festivals.

“These are all great ideas that will be considered as we shape the future of the Gallery in the next three months.”

The Gallery’s vision is to take a key leadership role in making Worcester Boulevard and the Cultural Precinct the most visited cultural tourism site in New Zealand, while continuing to celebrate the City’s creative spirit through a new, stimulating visitor experience.

“This is an exciting time for the Gallery as we build on the first three years of success of our facility and deliver the Paradigm Shift through a programme that has the Christchurch Art Gallery as a ‘must-see’ on the itinerary of every visitor to the City, attracting more than 400,000 visitors a year by 2009,” Mr McArthur said.

ENDS

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